Riad Farnatchi

Small, chic riad with the style and service of a 5 star boutique hotel set in the oldest section of the Medina (9 rooms)

Since Marrakech has become a Mecca for high-fashion shoots and swanky celebrity parties, the number of stylish riads has rocketed, as owners try to lure designers and stars to this exotic and classy city.

Award-winning British hotelier Jonathan Wix (creator of 42 The Calls in Leeds, the Scotsman in Edinburgh and Tremoille in Paris) bucked the trend and spent two years converting 3 small Riads into a holiday home for family and friends. But then he was converted and convinced that his creation should be shared. And so Riad Farnatchi was born.

The original triplet of riads stood on one of the oldest parts of Marrakech and some of the walls are more than 400 years old. But there’s nothing ancient about the sleek lighting and crisp decor in this chic, intimate retreat – it has the feel of a beautiful private home and the facilities of a world-class hotel. And mere mortals are just as welcome as models or movie stars.

Highs

• Exquisitely decorated and pristine rooms with the feel of a luxury hotel
• Beautiful white-marbled hammam, free for guests use between 4 & 7 pm daily
• Complimentary Moroccan robe (djelaba) and slippers (babouches)
• Heated indoor 7m pool with jetstream for exercising

Lows

• More expensive than most riads (but worth it, as there's lots of free goodies)
• Can get booked up quickly
• Not really suitable for children as the pool has no attendant and the furnishings are not really kid-resistant!